Take a guess at what the leading cause of cancer deaths is — Lung Cancer. Every year on August 1, we show awareness to hopefully lessen the number of lung-cancer-related deaths. Today, I hope to teach you more about this disease and how physicians begin their investigation.
We usually think of lung cancer only happening to smokers, but in some cases the person has never smoked. Statistically 80–85% of smokers make up the cases of lung cancer. The other cases are made up of people who obtained it from radon gas, secondhand smoke (inhaled regularly at home or work), air pollution and toxins and genetics. Regardless of cause, people with lung cancer often present with similar symptoms: persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm, chest pain and repeated lung infections.
Screening is the best tool we have to improve survival rates, beyond cessation of smoking. If you are between the ages of 50–80 years old, have a history of smoking 20 “pack years” or have quit smoking within 15 years, then you qualify for lung-cancer screening. This screening is performed with an annual CT scan of the chest. This CT allows a doctor to identify ahead of time if a patient has “high-risk,” “low-risk” or no identifiable nodules (small, discrete lump or growth of tissue) of concern. If there are nodules of concern, then you’ll move on to more frequent checkups or begin a workup for cancer. If no identifiable nodules are observed, then you’ll repeat this screening every year until you are greater than 15 years from smoking or older than 80 years old.
Take the first step to get yourself screened if you have the risk factors. This article may not be about cessation, but it could be the push you needed. If fear of the unknown holds you back from getting screened, just give yourself a reason. From a grandchild’s graduation, a wedding or wedding anniversary, take the first step for a better tomorrow and talk to your doctor about getting screened.
Dr. Christian Colin is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland and Huntsville and Magnolia and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.
